# Varta E11 vs E44: the differences and which to choose

> Varta E11 (74 Ah, 680 A) vs E44 (77 Ah, 780 A): same L3 case and polarity. The real differences and which suits you.

- **Canonical URL**: https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-e11-vs-e44-car-battery
- **Language**: en
- **Last update**: 2026-11-10

Updated: 27 October 2026 · Technical data from the manufacturers' datasheets ([how we write our datasheets](https://bateriasonline.es/en/how-we-write-our-battery-datasheets))
The Varta E44 gives you 3 Ah more capacity and 100 A more cold cranking current than the Varta E11, in exactly the same size (278 × 175 × 190 mm), the same L3 case and with the positive terminal on the same side. That makes them interchangeable: the E11 is the like-for-like replacement when your car takes a 74 Ah, 680 A battery, while the E44 is worth it if you want more starting margin, especially for diesel engines or very cold weather.

## Technical comparison

| Spec | Varta E11 | Varta E44 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | VARTA Dynamic SLI | VARTA Dynamic SLI |
| Technology | Lead-acid | Lead-acid |
| Voltage | 12 V | 12 V |
| Capacity | 74 Ah | 77 Ah |
| Cold cranking (EN) | 680 A | 780 A |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | 278 × 175 × 190 mm |
| Case | L3 | L3 |
| Weight | 16.82 kg | 17.33 kg |
| Polarity | Positive terminal on the right | Positive terminal on the right |
| ETN code | 574 012 068 | 577 400 078 |

## What the difference means in practice

- **Capacity:** 77 Ah against 74 Ah. A small gap (4 %) that gives a little more reserve for the alarm, radio or lights with the engine off.
- **Cold cranking:** 780 A against 680 A, 15 % more. This is the difference you notice most in winter and with engines that draw a lot of current on start-up.
- **Weight:** 17.33 kg for the E44 and 16.82 kg for the E11.
- **Fitting:** identical. Both use the L3 case (H6 in DIN terms), the same base hold-down (code B13 on the manufacturer's datasheet) and standard terminals with the positive on the right.
- **Technology:** both are conventional lead-acid batteries from the VARTA Dynamic SLI range. They are not designed for cars with Start-Stop.

## Which one should you choose?

- **Choose the [Varta E11](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-e11)** if your current battery is an E11, or a 74 Ah, 680 A battery in an L3 case: it is the exact replacement.
- **Choose the [Varta E44](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-e44)** if your current battery is an E44, or if you are replacing an E11 and want more cranking power for a diesel, a car parked outdoors in winter or one with lots of electrical equipment. It fits the same space and uses the same cables.
- **Choose neither** if your car has Start-Stop: it needs an EFB battery such as the [Varta N70](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-n70) or an AGM such as the [Varta A7](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-a7), depending on what it was fitted with from the factory. We explain this in [Varta A7 (formerly E39): what changed and equivalents](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-a7-e39-agm-battery-equivalents).

## Alternatives: E12, E13, E38 and E43

If neither the E11 nor the E44 suits your car because of height or terminal layout, these are the closest Varta references:

| Battery | Capacity | Cold cranking (EN) | Dimensions (L × W × H) | Case | Polarity | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varta E11 | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E44 | 77 Ah | 780 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E12 | 74 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the left | Lead-acid |
| Varta E13 | 70 Ah | 640 A | 278 × 175 × 190 mm | L3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E38 | 74 Ah | 750 A | 278 × 175 × 175 mm | LB3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |
| Varta E43 | 72 Ah | 680 A | 278 × 175 × 175 mm | LB3 | Positive terminal on the right | Lead-acid |

- **[Varta E12](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-e12):** the same 74 Ah and 680 A as the E11, but with the positive on the left. Only for cars with the positive terminal on that side.
- **[Varta E13](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-e13):** same L3 case and polarity as the E11, with 70 Ah and 640 A. The option if your original battery was 70 Ah.
- **[Varta E38](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-e38) and [Varta E43](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-e43):** low LB3 case, 175 mm high instead of 190 mm. For battery trays with limited height where an L3 will not fit; the E38 has 74 Ah and 750 A, the E43 72 Ah and 680 A.

To check your battery's case size, see [Car battery sizes: L1-L6, LB1-LB5, B and D (Asian) cases](https://bateriasonline.es/en/car-battery-sizes-l-lb-b-d-cases) or browse all [L3 car batteries](https://bateriasonline.es/en/l3-car-batteries).

## Equivalents from other brands

With the same specs as the E11 (74 Ah, 680 A, L3 case, positive on the right) you have the [Exide EB740](https://bateriasonline.es/en/exide-eb740) and the [Tudor TB740](https://bateriasonline.es/en/tudor-tb740). For the E44, the closest are the [Exide EA770](https://bateriasonline.es/en/exide-ea770) and the [Tudor TA770](https://bateriasonline.es/en/tudor-ta770). The full list, including Fulmen and Deta, is in [Varta, Bosch, Exide and Tudor car battery equivalents table](https://bateriasonline.es/en/varta-bosch-exide-tudor-car-battery-equivalents).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I fit a Varta E44 instead of an E11?

Yes. They have the same dimensions, the same L3 case and the same polarity; the E44 adds 3 Ah and 100 A. If your car has electronic battery management, register the new battery as the vehicle manufacturer specifies.

### And an E11 instead of an E44?

It fits the same space, but you will have 100 A less cold cranking current. If your car came with an E44 or a 77 Ah, 780 A battery, it is best to stick with those figures.

### Are the E11 or E44 suitable for a Start-Stop car?

No. They are conventional lead-acid batteries. A Start-Stop car needs an EFB (such as the N70) or an AGM (such as the A7), depending on the technology it was fitted with from the factory.

### What is the difference between the Varta E11 and E12?

Only the polarity: the E11 has the positive on the right and the E12 on the left. Capacity, cold cranking and dimensions are the same.

### What is the ETN code shown in the table?

It is the European Type Number, a 9-digit code that identifies the battery's specification. The E11's is 574 012 068 and the E44's is 577 400 078: two batteries with the same ETN have the same specs, even if they are different brands.

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*bateriasonline.es — Batteries and accessories · 2026-11-10*